Covid-19: Funeral directors adapt after surviving pandemic anger ‘We had to act almost immediately to keep people safe . to keep the general public safe’
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Public relations officer for the Irish Association of Funeral Directors Mary Cunniffe:‘People have left their messages’ when it comes to condolences. Photograph: The Irish Times.
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A little more than a year ago, hundreds of Ireland’s funeral directors realised something others perhaps had not; long-held traditions would have to change because of the coronavirus pandemic and deaths it would cause.
Updated / Friday, 12 Mar 2021
14:32
In Ireland, wakes, removals and funerals have been an integral part of our culture
Counselling Psychologist Niamh Delmar on end of life, honouring the dead, and grieving in the pandemic.
In Ireland, wakes, removals and funerals have been an integral part of our culture. Giving the deceased a good send off has been a final tribute to those who have passed. Offering our condolences, food and practical help is an inherent part of our culture.
In the past, churches have heaved with mourners and locals gathering to pay their respects. Celebrations of life, humanist services and scattering of ashes have facilitated a communal mourning. Over the years, soup and sandwiches in the pub after, morphed into meals in a hotel.
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A Dublin funeral director says they ve seen some absolutely heartbreaking situations while COVID-19 restrictions have been in place.
For almost a year now, there have been strict limits on the numbers of mourners who can attend funerals.
During the first wave only six people could attend a service.
While that was
briefly increased to 25 people for a period last year, funerals have again been limited to just ten people during the ongoing lockdown.
As a result, many people have been unable to attend the funerals of friends or family, or have had to turn to livestreams to watch a service.